Desk : A strong earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture in northeastern Japan early Sunday morning, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). Authorities confirmed that there is no risk of a tsunami following the tremor.
The quake occurred at 5:21 am (local time) at a depth of 41 kilometres beneath the seabed. It registered a maximum seismic intensity of “lower 5” on Japan’s seismic intensity scale in Hachinohe City (Aomori Prefecture) and Fudai Village (Iwate Prefecture). Tremors ranging from intensity level 4 to 1 were felt across a wide region extending from Hokkaido to the Kanto-Koshin area.
The JMA stated that the earthquake was caused by a reverse fault, with a pressure axis running in a west-northwest to east-southeast direction. As of 7:00 am, no aftershocks of intensity 1 or higher had been recorded following the main quake.
Officials noted that the epicentre was located in the same offshore area that experienced a magnitude 6+ earthquake on June 25. Authorities have warned that regions affected by the earlier quake may continue to experience earthquakes of up to intensity 6+ for about a week and urged residents to remain cautious.
The agency also cautioned that areas that experienced strong shaking could face an increased risk of secondary hazards such as landslides and rockfalls, advising continued vigilance.
The JMA clarified that the latest quake does not meet the criteria for issuing a specific warning for a larger subsequent earthquake off the coasts of Hokkaido and the Sanriku region.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in a post on social media platform X that there was no tsunami threat and that the government was actively managing the situation through the crisis management office established after the June 25 earthquake.
She directed officials to assess damage, provide timely and accurate public information, and ensure all necessary response measures are taken. Acknowledging the repeated seismic activity in the region, she urged residents to stay alert and continue taking precautions in their daily lives.
